Things We Never Say

by Sheila O'Flanagan

Sheila O'Flanagan's unputdownable bestseller THINGS WE NEVER SAY is a must-read for fans of Marian Keyes and Veronica Henry.

The things we never say:

A daughter doesn't say how she feels about the past...

A husband is afraid to say that selling the house his wife loves is the only option...

A woman hasn't said that even though they live thousands of miles apart, this man is always on her mind...

If those things were said, the results could be life-changing. As Abbey - and a whole family she knew nothing of - are about to find out in this warm-hearted, thought-provoking and touching novel.

Genres: Chick Lit, Fiction, Contemporary, Womens Fiction, Family Drama, Novels

504 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

As you can see, a Dubliner all my life. My parents owned a grocery shop in the Iveagh Markets, in the Liberties area of the city and I guess city blood runs through my veins.

As a child I enjoyed reading and telling stories and everyone thought that I end up in a job which had something to do with books and literature. But though I applied for a job in the library all of the job offers I got were in commerce.

I turned down lots of them before my mother accepted one for me (I was on holiday at the time). It was in the Central Bank of Ireland and that’s how my career in financial services began.

I started out in administration and then moved jobs until finally I was working as a dealer in a commercial bank. Eventually I was promoted to Chief Dealer (the first female CD in the country). I traded lots of different things – foreign exchange, swaps, options, bonds…all of the kind of things you read about in the papers and that sound very technical and difficult. Of course once you’re doing it, it’s not half as technical as it sounds.

But I still loved reading and writing (which I did in my spare time) and I desperately wanted to write my own book. I guess I never quite got over the fact that I was never offered the library job! In my thirties I decided that it was now or never and I sat down, stuck Chapter 1 on a page, and started. I wrote the whole thing before sending it off.

I was offered a publishing deal (with no advance) by an Irish company but only if I wrote a different book! So back to the drawing board, I started again. It was another two years before it was published. It wasn’t until I’d written a few books and was offered a contract (this time with an advance!) from another publisher that I felt able to give up my trading job and write full time. So, even though it took a long time, I eventually realised my dream of being a full-time writer.

And now I also write a business column for the Irish Times.

When I’m writing a book I want to do three things:

* Tell a good story
* Make the reader feel like they know the characters
* Make each book better than the last

I don’t write for any particular audience but I suppose I must have people like me in mind – people who have busy lives and who like to escape into someone else’s for a while.

I love writing books. I hope you enjoy reading them.

Reviews

[Margaret Madden · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes.......

A family brought together for the reading of their father's will. Two brothers who both believe they deserve the inheritance. A sister they who has been estranged for years. Two sister-in-laws who feel hard done by. A bitter ex-wife and demanding teenage children hover in the backround. This is the story of one elderly man's legacy and his desire to do the right thing, whoever it upsets. An unexpected stranger who arrives, from California, only adds to the mayhem ......

Sheila O'Flanagan has been a best-selling author for many years, rarely out of the book charts. She has a huge fan base and is known worldwide for her women's fiction novels. However, this one was just not for me. The story was interesting to begin with, a family at war over their father's estate, but the characters were so shallow and hateful, I began to tire of the whole book very quickly. I found it too predictable, very drawn out (Over 500 pages) and quite dated in its format. It reminded me of books I read in the late 80s and early 90s which were choc-full of designer clothes, nice locations and lots of property dreams and power suits. I think the world of women's fiction has moved on from this and it is now more important to have a great narrative and inspiring characters. With so many amazing new novelists out there, the reader is spoilt for choice. In saying that, Sheila O'Flanagan is a very successful writer who most certainly does not need the approval of a little book blogger, like me, to end up on the inevitable best-seller lists and I genuinely wish her all the best with this novel.

[Trish at Between My Lines · Rating 5 out of 5]

When packing your books for the beach this summer, make room for this one! It’s a warm, gossipy, full of heart and meets all my criteria for an engrossing summer read.

First Line of Things We Never Say:

“Dilly was terrified but she was trying her hardest not to show it.”

My Thoughts on Things We Never Say:

I gobbled this one down one lazy Sunday afternoon. I love Irish chick-lit and I really believe that when it comes to chick-lit that Irish Authors do it better! Maybe because I identify so readily with the characters and situations, plus it’s easy for me to visualise the locations. I’m not sure of the why but I do know I love it. And Sheila O Flanagan is an author I’ve loved for years so a new book from her is always exciting.

Things We Never Say reminds me of the saying “where there is a will, there is a relative”. And this insightful look at a family fallout after an unexpected will throws a family into turmoil makes for entertaining reading. It is so easy to believe the scenario presented to us and the characters all seem very realistic. Painfully realistic at times. It is also quite topical but I don’t want to give too much away about the plot.

I really liked the main character Abbey who lives in San Francisco. She is in a rut but events are about to happen which throw her headfirst out of that rut and on a plane to Ireland. She is such a genuinely nice person that you want the very best outcome for her. Two of the other characters – Zoey and Lisette – are interesting characters! They do some not so nice stuff but they are lovable rogues and I can’t help but see why they do it. And that’s not to say I didn’t want to smack them once or twice, I did! But I still like them.

I think that is what I love about the book. The characters are sufficiently developed that I understand their moves both the good ones and the dubious ones. And none of them were stereotypes; all were well fleshed out and felt very individual. The pace was lively and I just flew through the book as I was engrossed in it. It was probably a bit predicable but as I enjoyed it all so much that didn’t bother me in the slightest. There was a little bit of mystery about Abbey’s mother which was easy to work out but still fun to see it uncovered.

The book is set between Dublin, Girona and San Francisco and all of settings are lovingly described and full of atmosphere. Being honest, I want to drop everything right now and up on a plane to Girona in Spain as it sounds fab.

Overall a huge thumbs up for this one. There is lots of drama, family skeletons to be dug up, relationship dynamics to be explored and all in a fun, breezy writing style.

Who should read Things We Never Say?

I’d strongly recommend this one to fans of chick-lit especially if you like strong female characters and great settings. In particular if you enjoy family drama style books, then I think you’d enjoy this one.

Thanks to BookBridgr and Headline Books for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always been a fan of chic lit using it as an antidote to my other favourite genre - psychological thrillers or reading at times when there's too much going on in my life and I'm looking for a comfort read. Sheila O'Flanagan has always been included in what I call my 'comfort blanket' authors. I know whenever I pick up one of her novels I'm going to get a nice, easy read that touches on real life issues but invariably turns out nice in the end - a real feel good book thats not all pink and fluffy.

This book was no exception, it is set in both Ireland and San Francisco where Abbey Anderson gets dragged into the world of the Fitzpatrick family after Fred the elderly father of the Fitzpatrick's develops a fixation with the Magdalene Laundries and sends an investigator to find Abbey's mother with the intention of bringing her to Ireland for him to make his piece and right a wrong. I liked the fact that the heart of this story was historically an unspeakable subject - many women suffered at the hands of the nuns in Ireland in the Magdalene laundries/asylums.

This book is all about family dynamics, sibling rivalry along with honesty, trust and communication. Abbey unwittingly finds herself at the centre of a family that is being held together by threads. I think Sheila's descriptions are particularly vivid. I could see each of the family members as clearly as if she was describing people I know. Although I would have liked some of them to have a little more depth. I did also really enjoy the chapters set in San Francisco and Dublin having visited both of these cities myself I could clearly visualise the settings which enhanced my reading.

Although I didn't like all of the characters and in fact my opinion didn't alter throughout the whole book for some, I could see how their behaviour and attitude suited their role within the story. Family dynamics are different in every family with pride and stubbornness playing a big part in this family. I didn't take to Donald in particular although I did feel his attitude was one of the most realistic. I could feel his passion and anger lifting from the page - honour and standing within the family was all too apparent, he really was blinkered both in the beginning and he really was no different at the end of the story either. He couldn't seem to see beyond his own situation - greed and pride overpowering all other emotions.

This story demonstrates how we should take time to think beyond today and about the possible consequences of our actions. Thinking with your head or heart is not enough, usually your gut instinct is the right one. As in this book time, quiet and space will usually allow for balanced decisions.

I look forward to reading Sheila O'Flanagans next novel If You Were Me due out in July this year.

[Amy Wood · Rating 1 out of 5]

The title of this book has to be a joke... The characters say everything about 20 times over. 95% of the book is dialogue, and repeated conversations just with different people.

The characters aren't very nuanced either. Abbey's is like an angel who does everything right. Ryan doesn't even get a personality, he just gets to admire Abbey constantly. And the male Irish family are angry, bad people. In my experience, people are more complex than that.

It's such a shame as it's a great story in theory. I just prefer to read something where every sentence counts, where the plot moves with pace, and the characters are relatable.

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I pretty much hated it. It wasn't even a good beach read. It was far too long and repetitive, and none of the characters were likable OR believable. If I took a shot for every time the American father-figure guy said, "honey", I'd need rehab. I also hated the main character for her really stupid decision. Like...really?

Love most of her books, this one was just a stinker.

[Karen McMillan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always expect a heart-warming read from Irish writer Sheila O’Flanagan, and Things We Never Say is no exception. It has wonderful characters to really care for and a plot line that gently unfolds. Abbey Anderson is the central character in this saga. She lives in San Francisco and while she has a group of good friends, and she has a busy life juggling between working at an art gallery and in a nail salon, she’s a slightly unconfident girl – and her confidence is further destroyed when her boyfriend breaks up with her via a post it note and disappears leaving unpaid rent.

Things take an even more unusual turn when Irish lawyer Ryan Gilligan turns up at her door with the news that her mother was adopted and that her birth father wants to get hold of his long lost daughter. Unfortunately, Abbey’s mother can’t be contacted easily, so Abbey makes the bold decision to meet the grandfather she has never even known about – and a family who had no idea that she or her mother existed.

This is a lovely, engaging read with a slight air of a morality play. It becomes fraught with tension when Abbey is forced to make a potentially life-altering decision. She wants to do the right thing – but how can she be sure? Without giving too much of the plot away, this is a tale of a family arguing about possessions and money – and Abbey finds herself right in the thick of things. It is also a tale about relationships and family, love and forgiveness – and the ending gives you hope that things eventually work out for people who have good intentions.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

*This review does not contain any spoilers*

It took me a while to get into this book.

Although I liked the undertones of kindness throughout the story, I felt the storyline could have been stronger and more could have happened, particularly at the end of the book.

I didn't find it particularly gripping but it was an OK read.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking for a good romance build in this story and it didnt happen until last 2 or 3 chapters so after reading over 500 pages it didnt tick my box on this one.

This story is telling about the family secret and contesting a will. Took me a week to get it done

[Sandra Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, another great read as always from Sheila O'Flanagan

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a family is all I have to say. Thank goodness for those without total eyes on the money.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!! A good family saga. I hope to find more of her books soon.

[Kanga_Rue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by the depths of this novel, it challenged some social norms and showed human flaws throughout the ensemble of characters. Definitely a pages turner, I hated putting it down and rushed to pick it up again.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been many years since I last picked up a book by Sheila O’Flanagan – I have no idea why, there are plenty of them on my shelves, just too many new writers vying for attention I guess. Her new one, Things We Never Say, is published in paperback on 24 April by Headline Review and is – unbelievably – her eighteenth full-length novel. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I’m so pleased I’ve rediscovered her writing.

This is an excellent story set mainly in California and Ireland. In San Francisco, Abbey Andersen leaves her job at an art gallery to become a nail artist, gets unceremoniously dumped by her feckless boyfriend and evicted soon afterwards, is deep in debt and surviving with the support of her mother’s former boyfriend Pete. In Ireland, we meet the Fitzpatricks, overbearing father Fred living in his luxury home in Howth and continuing to overshadow the lives of his adult children Donald, Gareth and Suzanne, and those of their families, all with their own problems and issues. The storylines come together when Abbey is visited by an Irish investigator with news that has far-reaching impacts on them all.

Abbey is a particularly likeable character and a good focus for the story - I really liked her relationship with Pete, her interactions with her mother, and her strong conscience that governs her actions and decisions. The Fitzpatrick family are wonderfully drawn too – particularly the wives who drive the story, and I had a particular soft spot for Suzanne and her plans to convert a derelict Spanish hotel. The story is really excellent, the modern day drama having its roots in a grave injustice from the past. I know some previous reviewers have found it just a little slow, but I never found it so - Sheila O’Flanagan has a wonderful ear for dialogue and I enjoyed the way she used it to move the story forward. And it’s a “grand” story, and a very enjoyable read, with plenty of twists and turns and family secrets revealed to keep you turning the pages.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow!

[Regina Kitto · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story

[(｀Θ´) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a slow start, two chapters in I was wondering whether this was a good choice for getting me back into the hobby of reading. Probably a few after that, too- I'm not sure which chapter I decided, 'This is interesting,' but I came to look forward to reading it before or after work. Complicated to start, it eases you into the family dynamics before delving into the whole plot.

My only drawback is an unlikely one, the title and blurb threw me off when I picked up the book and continued to niggle at me even after I finished it. I suppose the list of things these people on the blurb supposedly would never say being something that some or most of the other characters already knew about one another felt redundant, even though the point of the book is the consequences of the reveals.

Following the entanglements between the characters lead me through a path of family affairs that had me feeling as though I was far closer to the situation than a reader to a piece of fiction. Each twist, subtle yet apparent, is unexpected but believable. There isn't a point where I thought 'that would never happen,' I only wondered what the characters would do in response. This is -exactly- what I hoped this book would be like! A book about 'family secrets, love and lies' shouldn't be constant overdramatic twists, plausible events that intrigue you as to their outcome and keep you guessing are perfect for a family drama. Even to the last chapter, there is something unanticipated that you can chew on between reads or during.

I would recommend this to anyone who thinks they would enjoy (or wouldn't, I didn't think I would) reading about the intricacies of family; life; money, and the dilemma that comes with it. An easy read for new or rekindling readers, as well, it starts a tad rough but shows itself to be a worthwhile read.

[Hannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Een heerlijk boek. In het begin moest ik er even inkomen. Er zijn verschillende personages en die moest ik leren kennen. Daarna zat ik in het verhaal en kon ik het boek steeds minder makkelijk wegleggen. Gelukkig had ik de laatste dagen ook wat meer tijd om te lezen. Ik weet niet of ik zoals Abbey had kunnen reageren. Al kwam alles voor haar uiteindelijk ook goed. De manier waarop Donald en Gareth reageerden kon ik begrijpen, maar ik vond het ook wel wat lachwekkend. Ik heb genoten van dit boek.

En hoewel het boek uit 2013 is, was er laatst in Nederland ook een documentaire op tv over nonnen die niet echt goed zorgden voor de meisjes die afhankelijk van hen waren. Daarbij ging het niet om ongehuwde, zwangere meisjes, maar wel om jonge meisjes die niet bepaald goed door de nonnen werden verzorgd. Waarschijnlijk speelde dit onderwerp al in Ierland eerder, aangezien Sheila O’Flanagan het in haar boek heeft verwekt. Ook vind ik het leuk dat dit boek om hele andere onderwerpen draait dan de liefde. Daarmee onderscheidt ze zich van andere schrijfsters in dit genre. Vandaar dat zij een van mijn favoriete schrijfsters is.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book that showed how families do really get nasty and hateful when money is brought into the equation and family members think that they are going to miss out of money as part of their inheritance. It also shows some historical information about the Magdalene Laundries in Dublin in the 1950's. The harsh treatment by the Catholic nuns towards young girls/women who were pregnant, unmarried and shunned by their own families is horrific. Abbey Anderson lives in San Franscisco and is contacted by an Irish lawyer, Ryan Gilligan, she discovers that everything about her roots is a lie. She travels to Dublin to find out more. She is thrown into a crisis that will change her life and everything she has known, but not just for Abbey, but for the family in Ireland who had no idea that she even existed.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on http://beccasbooooks.blogspot.co.uk/

Firstly, a huge thank you to BookBridgr and the publishers Headline Review for providing me with a review copy of Things We Never Say by Sheila O'Flanagan.

Things We Never Say focuses mostly around the Fitzpatrick family; Donald, Gareth, Suzanne, and the women brought into the family by marriage, Zoey and Lisette. And of course, the character from which the whole story stems from, Fred Fitzpatrick, the father/father-in-law.

After building up his business and coming away with a whole lot of money, Fred is now living in the lap of luxury. His wife is no longer with him, but Fred has a huge house, expensive cars and a whole lot of regrets behind him. It seemed to me like Fred's children were waiting for the man to die. Right from the very beginning, they talk about Fred's will, and wonder who their father/father-in-law is going to leave his home too. They discuss it freely amongst themselves, and I just couldn't help but feel sorry for Fred. He knew what they were talking about. He knew that they were all waiting for him to pop his clogs, but there's one thing that Fred's children didn't know about their father. It seemed that Fred had secrets all of his own, and a past that no one knew about.

Abbey Andersen and her mother Ellen Connolly are linked to the Fitzpatrick family. Abbey has a grandfather and her mum is adopted, and Ellen's real father is still out there and he wants to talk to her about what happened all those years ago. It's clear that Fred is desperate to make amends. He's feeling guilty about something but Abbey doesn't know exactly what that something is. With the help of an investigator, Fred sends handsome Ryan Gilligan in search of Abbey and her mother, with a message that Fred wants to meet with Ellen.

Luckily, Abbey is given the chance to see Fred in the flesh. Her mother Ellen can't go because of personal reasons that you find out about later in the story, but Abbey is intrigued with this man and this whole other side to her life that she had no idea existed. Whilst visiting Fred, Abbey is horrified when he collapses and dies. What follows is the reading of Fred's will, and Abbey cannot believe what Fred is willing to give to Abbey and her mother...

Honestly, booklovers, this was one hell of a read. Family playing a huge role, money playing another... Each character has been given their own unique personality and I just couldn't help but shake my head in disgust at the way Fred's will was torn and grabbed at.

Donald was the eldest of the Fitzpatrick children, therefore he felt like it was his given right to take charge of any matters such as their father's will. I found Donald to be quite stubborn and set in his ways, but on another level, I can understand his uproar when the will is read to them all and he doesn't exactly get what he wanted. Also, when Ellen Connolly is brought into the picture, Donald realises that he is no longer the eldest. It's like he panics because he's losing control of the family. He just wanted money and lots of it.

And don't even get me started on his vile wife Zoey. A money-grabbing blonde who went on shopping trips constantly, wracking up the bills on Donald's credit cards! Zoey's weapon was her looks and charm though. She looked good and she knew it. Therefore whenever Donald would to kick up a fuss about the money that she had been spending, all Zoey had to do was bat her eyelashes his way, and she was forgiven. I didn't like Zoey at all. She snooped and she gossiped. I just had this image of a sort of Stepford Wife.

Gareth was the younger brother of the family, and to be honest, I didn't really get any sort of bad vibe from him at all. It seemed to me like he followed Donald a lot of the time. He sort of agreed with what Donald said and didn't really have the courage to argue against him, and if he ever did, it sounded all meek and scared. I can't blame him though, Donald is rather terrifying when he gets started. All red-faced and a bit of a hulk impressionist.

Lisette was Gareth's wife. Again, I felt like she was the meeker version of Zoey. Although when the two wives are coupled together, they do tend to get up to some sneaky things! Lisette also seemed to me like she was the more level-headed one of the two women. The reading of the will didn't send Lisette into as much of a tizzy as it sent Donald, but she had her eye on the prize for other reasons, such as the huge debts that she and Gareth have wracked up from dabbling in the property market. Lisette actually liked Fred, she went round to Fred's house a couple of times a week and did some shopping for him, but she always had her eye out for the will.

Suzanne, who isn't around much of the time due to trying to start her own business abroad, was probably the only one of the Fitzpatrick women that I liked. She and her father Fred never got on and you find out why as you read the book. It kinda' stems from when she was a young girl, and Fred was very watchful over her. Suzanne isn't too fussed about the will, although the money would help to get her started on her business adventure.

And then Abbey Andersen and her mother come into it and it all goes topsy turvy. It got very exciting, there was drama and a bit of a family feud begins to take place. Each family member begins to get worked up, each with their own particular reason, and it was just so enjoyable to read!

Becca's Books is giving Things We Never Say by Sheila O'Flanagan four scrumptious cupcakes. It was a whirlwind of secrets and uncovering the truth. And I loved it!

[Christina Rochester · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I never thought I'd know anything about my birth family."

Abbey Andersen is about to realise that life is a lot more complicated than she originally thought. Her boyfriend Cobey has just upped and left for a cruise ship, she's about to lose her flat and now she's had a private investigator show up at her door looking for her mother. Who just happens to be a nun. Perfectly simple right?

This has certainly been a passable read the last few days, although it was one of those where the ends all tie up far too neatly for my liking.

I'm glad that Abbey still found it in herself to surprise me until the very end of the novel though.

Worth a read.

[jodesmw · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF - barely even started.
Within 20 pages the narrative swaps from 3rd to 1st person and I just could not continue, it could be a writing error but I lost all intrigue completely because of the confusion. If it’s meant to be this way someone please tell me but I’m putting it down.

Leading up to this quote constant she/Dilly/her “Dilly hadn’t realised that she was on her knees. How strange, she thought, that I didn’t know that. That I didn’t realise she was towering over me because I was on the floor.”

“It wasn’t that she didn’t enjoy doing nails. It’s because mom wouldn’t approve, she though suddenly. Nor would Pete. He’s convinced that I’m destined in the art world…”

[What to read next ....... · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things we Never Say, is from a new favourite author of mine, Sheila O ‘ Flanagan, her style of writing is so touching and full of enjoyment, and this is right on the mark.

The title of this book says it all.
A topic that no one admits to, we are talking about family inheritance. I don’t want to give to much of the book away.
The storyline really brings out how families react after a death, when the real truth come out as well as some skeletons.
This read is so surprising, so touching all at the same time.

This book is a must, fantastic reading !😁

[Anya · Rating 2 out of 5]

A overly long dispute about a family will with an extremely odd cast of characters (the nun and the retreat?? Really??). None of the characters were in anyway realistic or interesting enough to feel anything for, apart from wishing they’d solve their ridiculous inheritance dispute in 100 rather than 300 odd pages. The ending was so unbelievable- Abbey gives up her share in the will just like that after all the conflict of the book is over her having anything??!
The whole book is quite ridiculous and a slow read. 2 stars not for me.

[Carinya Kappler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a light readable novel set in modern day USA and Ireland. Abbey Andersen is a young woman with an absent mother, a protective loving step father and a few loyal friends. She is surprised to learn about her mother’s past and even more surprised at events occurring after this news.
Good holiday reading.
Carinya

[Dudz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steady flow but worked up to a fantastic finish

A bit slow at the beginning but if you keep with this book you will be so pleasantly surprised. I loved the way O’Flanagan has created the characters, especially Abbey, the protagonist. Subtly complex and heartwarming, I thoroughly enjoyed this first book I’ve read from the author.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book wasn’t anything like the blurb. It sounded like a fun ‘discover your roots’ type story. Instead it was a drawn out story about a family of grubs fighting over money. It was way too long and rather predictable.

I still can’t believe that the biggest wanker in the book was rewarded at the end with everything he wanted. Any good female writer would have cut him down a few pegs.

[Shopoholic4321 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, wasn't sure how it was going to turn out and who was more deserving of the inheritance but it was a joy to read especially the descriptions of each country that were visited. Look forward to reading the next Shelia O' Flangan book.

[Pete Harmes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not one of my favourite Sheila O'Flanagan books. I found it hard-going at first. The storyline was raggedy with lots of characters introduced in quick succession. Until the story became present tense, I found it difficult to enjoy.

[Sarah Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing story, fabulous characters and good narrative. I really enjoyed the very last chapter and subtle presence of God.

A little wordy, lots of interjection and telling rather than showing.

But a really good read!!!!!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really struggled with this book to begin with, confusing characters and a bit all over the place.

But I'm glad I stuck with it, all came good, the story unfurled nicely, the characters developed well and it wasn't a cliché in the end.